Will I get credit for doing research?

Many degree programs at ETSU allow you (even encourage you) to apply credit hours earned in an undergraduate research experience toward your degree. For details on whether undergraduate research can count toward your degree, and how you enroll, talk with a professor or the chair of your department.

How much time will it take?

The amount of time you dedicate to an undergraduate research project depends on what you want, the particular project, and the field of study.

• In the humanities, you may need to spend 4-5 hours per week in the library and then another 4-5 hours on your own, “digesting” what you’ve discovered.
• In the natural and social sciences, you may need to spend 9-10 hours a week in the laboratory or in the field gathering data for the first few months. Later you’ll spend the same amount of time per week at the computer, writing up your study.
• In the arts, you’ll probably spend 9-10 hours per week, on average, in the studio, at the computer, or with your musical instrument.

Will it interfere with my other classes?

Actually, your undergraduate research experience may help you get more out of your other classes. But managing your time is important and another reason why you are working with a Faculty Mentor who can help you balance your time.

Is this different from a Senior Honors Thesis?

Many departments at ETSU offer an Honors program to qualified and interested students. All Honors students at ETSU must complete a Senior Honors Thesis in order to receive an “Honors in …” distinction at graduation. The Senior Honors Thesis is a written document (with photos of art or videos, etc.) that represents an undergraduate research experience.

But you don’t have to be accepted in an Honors program to do undergraduate research. Any student who wishes to participate in undergraduate research is free to do so. You can even qualify for “Distinguished in Research or Creative Arts” when you graduate from ETSU, in recognition of your successful undergraduate research work.